QUESTIONS TO ASK WHEN CONSIDERING CREMATION

Are you considering cremation as part of your pre-planned final arrangement or for your loved one? If so, we here at Davis-Streumpf Funeral Home & Crematory in Powder Springs, GA desire to help you traverse the ins and outs of doing so. First, we want you to know there are many options with cremation services in Powder Springs, GA, so it’s helpful to get a clear idea of each of them, address any questions you may have, and the drawbacks to avoid.

To help you with all of this, our caring staff has created a short list of commonly asked questions which we answer all the time. This list should help you and your family get started in forming your own individual opinions prior to reaching out to local funeral directors. Read on.

Q: What options are there for the final disposition if cremation is chosen?
A: It’s important to know that the cremation itself only refers to the incineration of the physical remains. It is not a final disposition. The remains are always returned to the next-of-kin. The final disposition options are practically endless. Here are a few:

• Scattering them on land or at sea
• Ground burial (just as you would with a traditional burial service)
• Columbarium niches
• Sharing the ashes in smaller urns, divided between family members
• Planted as a Memorial Tree
• Kept in a traditional urn
• Used in a piece of jewelry

Q: What are the major considerations with cremation?
A: As with any funeral services, considerations are as many and as unique as each individual and their family. The most significant considerations our staff is always sure to present for discussion are:

• Cost—cremation is significantly less in cost than the traditional funeral services (unless a combination of cremation, wake, burial are all combined/selected)
• Religious beliefs—there are a handful of major religions with some stipulations regarding cremations practices, as well as some religions that disallow this service for their believers/followers.
• Viewing—there are often strong feelings about having a viewing of the physical body as a part of the closure and healing process for survivors. Cremation does not mean you can not opt to include a physical viewing for the surviving loved ones, but this is definitely an important consideration to discuss with close family members before making solid plans.
• Finality drawback—in cases of sudden or unsolved deaths, cremation may be an unpopular option. In the rare circumstance that the remains would need to be exhumed for examination (in cases of medical malpractice deaths, homicide, suicide etc.), cremation makes this an impossibility.

Q: Is witnessing the cremation an option?
A: Yes, witnessing the cremation is an option many surviving family members and friends choose. Not everyone desires this, but for others, witnessing the incineration is an important step in the grieving process, as well as a peace-of-mind option (so loved ones know for certain that the deceased’s wishes were carried out).

To learn more about the cremation process, or if you have any other concerns, please give us a call here at Davis-Struempf Funeral Home & Crematory. We’re honored to serve you and your family.

Davis-Struempf Funeral Home & Crematory | 1975 East-West Connector | Austell, GA 30106 | 770.944.2900